North Fork, CA – The ongoing Garnet Fire in Fresno County, along with several new wildfires sparked by lightning on Wednesday, are producing smoke that is drifting into the Valley affecting air quality across the region. The foothills are also experiencing high levels of smoke. As a result, the District has issued an Air Quality Alert with the National Weather Service. Residents impacted by the smoke are advised to stay indoors to minimize exposure to particulate matter (PM) emissions. The potential for increased ozone and PM2.5 exists until the fires are extinguished.

As of today, the Garnet fire has burned over 30,000 acres and is only 12% contained.

The District strongly urges the public to take health-protective actions to stay safe when smoke from wildfires affects the region, including following air-quality recommendations when making decisions about outdoor activities. Additional health-protective actions include:

• Planning ahead and creating a clean air room
•  Stay indoors
• Use portable air cleaners or high-efficiency filters to remove fine particles from the air
• Visiting a Clean Air Center. Similar to the Valley’s cooling centers, the District’s Clean Air Centers provide relief when wildfires & smoke events occur. The only clean air center in the foothills is located at the Oakhurst Community Center at 39800 Rd 425B, Oakhurst, CA 93644. They are open from 8 am to 5 pm, call with any questions you may have. 559-683-2290

Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter (PM) and ozone precursor emissions, which can trigger asthma attacks, aggravate chronic bronchitis, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Those with existing respiratory conditions are especially susceptible to the adverse health effects of this form of pollution. Anyone experiencing poor air quality due to wildfire smoke should move indoors to a filtered, air-conditioned environment with windows closed and contact their primary care provider for more information.

The public can check the District’s Wildfire Prevention & Response page at www.valleyair.org/wildfires for information about any wildfires affecting the Valley. In addition, anyone can follow air quality conditions by downloading the free “Valley Air” app on their mobile device or by visiting the EPA Fire and Smoke Map.

The Valley Air District covers eight counties including San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley air basin portions of Kern. For more information about the Valley Air District, visit www.valleyair.org or  call a regional office in Fresno (559) 230-6000, Modesto (209) 557-6400 or Bakersfield (661) 392-5500.